Useful tips to maintain your refrigerator
Many of the refrigerator repairs we handle in Palmer Park could have been delayed with a few minutes of upkeep. Here's what our technicians recommend for keeping your fridge running cold for years.
Clean the condenser coils
Dusty coils behind or under the fridge make the compressor run longer and hotter. Unplug the unit and vacuum them with a brush attachment.
Test the door seals
Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the gasket is leaking. Wipe seals with warm soapy water to keep them soft and tight.
Use the right temperatures
Keep the fridge at about 37°F and the freezer at 0°F. Colder settings don't help your food and only make the compressor work harder.
Replace the water filter
A clogged filter slows ice production and weakens the dispenser flow. Fresh filters also protect the inlet valve from sediment buildup.
Don't block the air vents
Cold air flows from the freezer into the fridge through small vents. Overpacking shelves against them causes warm spots and uneven cooling.
Clear the defrost drain
A blocked drain is the top cause of water under the crisper drawers. Flush it gently with warm water and clean the drip pan underneath.
Leave breathing room
Leave at least an inch of space behind and above the fridge so heat can escape. Tight alcoves and cabinet nooks wear out compressors faster.
Cool hot food first
Putting steaming pots straight inside raises the temperature for everything else. Let food cool for a short while and store it in covered containers.
Technician's tip: Clean the coils before summer arrives. Palmer Park's humid July and August heat pushes cooling systems to their limit, and a clean coil is the cheapest way to avoid a mid-summer breakdown. Hear a new noise or see frost building up? Call 813-796-5961 early, because small fixes cost far less than compressor repair work.